1. Decision Making Process

2. Defining the problem Identify the current and desired situation
Make sure you define the problem clearly
Make sure you have a “solvable” problem
Identify constraints
Identify who needs to be involved
Constraint – condition or restriction that must be followed
(i.e. time deadline, budget, product meets federal safety standards, works within a patent)
Current vs. ideal – this isn't always what we think of as a problem, but it’s an opportunity for improvement
Ex: Current – currently you have about one hour of free time a day
Desired – you’d like three hours of free time each day
Problem: How to get two extra hours of free time a day?

3. Gathering data
Make sure that you gather enough data to understand the problem, generate alternatives and evaluate alternatives
Know what information is needed before you begin
Keep source material
Use company resources
Evaluate the quality of resources used

4. Generate alternatives
Be creative
Generate reasonable solutions
Alternatives should solve the problems
Alternatives should stay within constraints identified

5. Evaluate alternatives
Evaluate with understanding of company, industry and environment
Consider time, cost, impact on employees and companies
Legality and ethics must be considered

6. Making a Decision Make sure: Alternative solves original problem
Alternative is within original problem constraints

7. Follow up
Plan a way to follow up and test decision to see if problem is solved
Start over if necessary

8. Plan for Implementation
Ask yourself the following questions:
Are resources adequate?
Do others have commitment/motivation?

9. What organizational policies will need to be overcome?
How much risk taking is likely to be tolerated by those responsible?
Are there power struggles within the organization that might block implementation?

10. Are there interpersonal conflicts that might prevent or hinder the idea from being put into action?
Is the general climate of the organization one of cooperation or distrust?
What are the consequences for staff?
Is the idea likely to meet with resistance to change?

11. Implementing the Decision
Get approval
Develop an action plan
Communicate the decision
Overcome objections
Monitor progress
Consider existing skill levels and what skills are needed; may need role changes based on this

12. Get Approval Identify who needs to approve your decision
Be patient and persistent if you need to get more than one person’s approval
If the issue is difficult, you may want to find a sponsor to improve your chances of gaining approval

13. Develop an action plan
Identify steps to be completed in carrying out decision
Identify who has the skill to be involved in carrying out decision
Assign every activity a start and stop date and attach a desired outcome
Specify who will complete each activity

14. Communicating a Decision
Inform superiors and gain approval
Inform colleagues, especially those who lack trust with you
Inform staff, especially those will be required to help implement the decision

15. Release information such as:
The decision
Alternate actions that were considered
Reasons for your choice
Effects of the decision on individuals

16. Be open and avoid secrecy
Sell ideas by:
Presenting decision in a way that matches employee needs
Stressing advantages of decision to individuals and the organization
Openly address concerns and questions

17. Overcoming Objections
Involve colleagues in decisions to create acceptance
Try to listen and talk openly with people who disagree to understand their positions
Be willing to make changes that are acceptable
Explain why a decision was made
Reassure those that are negatively impacted that they are valued
Irate people may still bring up reasonable points that deserve answers
If people feel they are able to come forward with objections, they tend to do so calmly

18. Monitoring Progress
Monitor financial performance by comparing budget to actual expenditures
Update forecasts of costs and revenues as needed
Compare performance with original plan to see where problems are arising
Modify plan as needed
Record all changes if you deviate from plan
Notify all affected individuals if a change is made